Chelsea star Ashley Cole will have to take a huge pay cut to play in America

OUT IN THE COLD: Ashley Cole has spent most of the season on the bench [GETTY]

The Chelsea full back’s future looks certain to lie away from Stamford Bridge after he lost his place in Jose Mourinho’s starting XI.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has encouraged the England left-back to join him at New York Red Bulls.

But the most he can expect in wages would be about £50,000 a week, with defenders not commanding big salaries in the MLS.

David Beckham - who was unveiled on Wednesday as the owner of a new Miami-based MLS franchise - knows a player like Cole has little pulling power in the States, but could move for the 33-year-old in the summer.

MOURINHO'S NUMBER ONE: Cesar Azpillicueta has been Mourinho's first choice left back for most of the season [GETTY]

“Cole has started in just 11 of Chelsea’s 24 league games this season”

Cole has started in just 11 of Chelsea’s 24 league games this season.

A troublesome rib injury intially limited his appearances and in his absence right-back Cesar Azpilicueta has established himself as Mourinho’s first pick, despite playing out of position.

The Spaniard is set to keep his place for the visit of Newcastle tomorrow, with his lack of match action casting doubt over whether Cole be England’s No 3 at the World Cup.

Despite being out of contract at the end of the season, the Blues have made no attempt to talk to the former Arsenal star about a new deal.